ROCKINGHAM, N.C. — Mrs. Rosa Lee Bailey passed away on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2015 at the age of 97 at the home of her daughter, Mary B. Sanford and son-in-law Horace (Joe) Sanford of Rockingham, with whom she had resided for many years, surrounded by her immediate family at her bedside.

Rosa Lee was born on May 12, 1918 in Lenoir, North Carolina, to Gurney and Winnie Edmisten. She was preceded in death by her husband, Livingston D. Bailey Sr.; grandson, Jonathan Bailey, son of L.D. (Bill) Bailey and Catherine Bailey; and her great-grandson, Brent Bailey, son of Bobby Bailey. Rosa Lee was also preceded by brothers, Robert and Earl Edmisten; and sister, Ruby Smith all of Vass, Dewey Edmisten of Vass; and sister, Ruth Finley of Columbia, South Carolina.

Rosa Lee and her family moved from Lenoir to the Southern Pines area at an early age. Her parents settled in that area and raised a large family, many of whom still reside there.

Rosa Lee was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and a friend to many people she encountered throughout her long life. A Godly woman, she always brightened the lives of her family and friends. Her love, laughter, smile, kind words and hugs will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Rosa Lee is survived by her daughter, Mary B. Sanford and husband Horace (Joe) Sanford of Rockingham; son, L.D. (Bill) Bailey Jr. and wife Catherine of Rockingham; son, Jerry Bailey and wife Sharon of Wagram; brother-in-law, Donnie Bailey and wife Susan; grandchildren, L.D. (David) Bailey III and wife Amelia of Ellerbe, Greg Bailey of Rockingham, Shannon Bailey and wife Cissy of Rockingham, Bobby Bailey and his partner Rick Hunt of Wagram; granddaughter, Gerry Lynn Garrison and Jim Bullard of Rockingham; great-grandchildren, L.D. (David) Bailey IV, Andy Bailey and wife Jesse, Brian Bailey, Tave Bailey, Brooke Bailey and Ethan Grant, Jenny Juarez, Taylor Bailey and Matthew Bailey. She is also survived by five great-great-grandchildren, Brayden, Ava and Isabella Bailey, Sean Grant and Daniel Juarez.

During Mrs. Bailey's long life, she was very devoted to her services to her Lord. For many years she attended the Pee Dee Pentecostal Holiness Church, having served as a Sunday school teacher, youth director, ladies auxiliary president, Bible school teacher and a choir member. After many years of attending the Pee Dee Church, Rosa Lee became more and more incapacitated and began attending the Covenant Presbyterian Church (PCA) in Rockingham where, at the time of her death, she was the oldest member.

During Rosa Lee's long and busy life, she and her family moved to several towns where her husband was employed as an electrical construction superintendent. After several years of living away from Rockingham, the family returned to live in Rockingham. Rosa Lee and her husband L.D. began to operate several businesses including breeding dogs, operating a dry cleaning business, operating a launderette, and for a short while, operated a café. L.D. was also a builder and constructed residential and commercial buildings.

Mrs. Bailey, "granny" to her grandchildren, also to many other children and friends, was a beloved lady and a friend to many. She will be greatly remembered and greatly missed. Daughter Mary B. Sanford remembers her mother as follows:

"Mom was always my role model, mentor and best friend. She was a woman that could do it all, despite her many successes. She always stayed true to herself and believed in giving back. She loved unconditionally and was totally selfless in all her endeavors. As her only daughter, our bond has been instrumental in getting me to this point in my life. I will always have her by my side and in my heart!"

A closed casket viewing will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesday at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. at the church with burial services to follow at Richmond County Memorial Cemetery.

Harrington Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the family.

Paid obituary

The Richmond County Daily Journal

Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2015